Things to do

EXTRAORDINARY RENDITIONS: Questions about cultural identity and race are explored in this exhibition by Arthur Jafa. Through films, installations and lectures, Jafa's work is driven to understand how black cinema and other visual arts will be able to match the power of black music in America. Serpentine Sackler Gallery, free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 10 September

PERFUME: You'll need your nose for this exhibit as it features ten perfumes you can take a sniff at. Then learn about how perfume is really an unseen artwork you wear on your skin.Somerset House, £11, book ahead, 11am-6pm

DAGMAR DESIGN: If you've been to Ikea (who hasn't?), you probably think you've seen enough Scandinavian furniture to last a life time — but you haven't seen these beauties. Furnish your day with this furniture exhibition, where you'll get to see the best in 2oth century Scandinavian design. Circus (Marylebone), free, just turn up, 12pm-6pm

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Take in a concert on your lunch break and be treated to the voice of Margaret Cooper and the piano of Laetitia Federic in this French and English recital. St Clement Danes (Strand), free, book ahead, 1.10pm-2pm

MARITIME MEMORIES:The Maritime Memories Machine has come home to share its stories from the road. The pop up van, designed in the style of an ice cream van, has visited seaside resorts around the country to collect stories and memories from the public. Come along and see what they've found. National Maritime Museum, free, just turn up, 2pm-4pm.

TERRIFIC TEA: We know that making the perfect cup of tea is an art form — and that goes for all types of tea. Learn the art of making the perfect chai as well as the perfect coffee with Pamban Chai's masterclasses, which are being held the first Tuesday of every month until December. Pamban Chai & Coffee House, £25, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm

MODERN AMERICA: Political journalist Jon Sopel divulges his first-hand experience of modern American life through British eyes, at a time when the 'special relationship' has never felt so uncertain. Political extremism, radical division and increasingly perverse beliefs, all will be tackled in conversation with Times columnist and author, David Aaronovitch. The Tabernacle, £18, book ahead,7.30pm-8.30pm

THE SWORD AND THE DOPE: Catch Steve Ritchie in his musical theatre debut, and drama grads as they tread the boards professionally for the first time in this musical comedy with a political edge. Waterloo east theatre, £18, book ahead, 7.30pm, until 1 October

SAM HAYWOOD LIVE: Pianist Sam Greenwood, has been hailed around the world for his performances, so why not take this opportunity to watch him in action. You can also pick his brain after he’s finished playing during a live Q&A session. Conway Hall, free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

Art review: abstract masters

work by Albert Gleizes. Image courtesy: Olivier Malingue.

If abstract art is your cup of tea, this gallery has a collection of great works on show at the moment. An angular spiky sculpture by Alexander Calder and colourful works by Kandinsky are two standouts among many big names in Modern art. A Selection of works by Modern Masters at Olivier Malingue, 143 New Bond Street (first floor), W1S 2TP. Until 16 September, free. ★★★☆☆ (Monday-Saturday) Tabish Khan

Food review: curious and curiouser

'Curious Asian Plates' runs the tagline for Scott Hallsworth's new pop-up. The ex-Nobu, Kurobuta-founding chef has set up shop in Farringdon. Where Kurobuta has polished glossiness, Freakscene’s a bit more east London to Kurobuta's west, with whitewashed walls, utilitarian stools and gold lettering claiming 'fresh lads rap and drink'. The menu's Pan-Asian, with Hallsworth's signature Japanese junk food arriving in big bursts of flavour. Things that could be humble, unassuming side dishes in different hands — aubergines, salads — are shaken up into starring role swagger. The Nasu Dengaku, a lift from the Kurobuta menu, is a pile of miso-grilled aubergine scattered with caramelised walnuts — sticky, and sweet enough to pass for a dessert. It's probably a love it or hate it thing, but we're firmly on the side of love. Black cod tacos have the same smokiness along with a burst of chilli, and the duck rendang curry is a thick fusion of meat, nuttiness and the sweet warmth of lychees. Everything’s had the umami or the sweetness or the smokiness dialled up, to a degree that the size of the small plates works perfectly: these are powerful combinations, and you don't want more than you get. The star turn's probably the crab and avocado wonton bombs, hard-shelled bursts filled with avocado-crab creaminess and chilli heat. The website boasts a cocktail menu but on the night we visit, it's still BYO. The real curiosity is why there aren't queues, clutching booze, out the door yet. Get in while you still can. Freakscene, 91 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6BH. Freakscene is running till the middle of October (date tbc) ★★★★☆ Lydia Manch

Theatre review: is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Aussie men in tiny shorts

Experience a close encounter of the fabulous kind with all-male Aussie “boylesque” circus gang Briefs. Don’t let the flashing lights, thongs and high heels fool you into thinking it’s just your average cabaret show; it’s full of thoroughly thrilling performances including some dizzying acrobatics and beautiful dance routines. This particular show isn’t as risqué as some of the troop’s other offerings, but what’s lacking in shock factor is made up for in cheeky suggestion and hilarious quips. This multi-award winning show is a real mood-lifter that ‘drags’ the audience into a fun, fantasy world before spitting them back onto Southbank. Briefs: Close Encounters, Underbelly Festival, SE1 8XX, from £25. Until 30 September ★★★★☆ Hannah Foulds

Good cause for the day

This live concert boasts a variety of bands and solo artists who will perform covers and original material all to raise money for the Grenfell Tower victims. Good Ship, £8 online or £10 on the door, 10 September, 7pm-11pm,